February 15, 2010
Contact: Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, APR
619-997-2495 or gayle@falconvalleygroup.com
PRSA San Diego Chapter Expands to Include Imperial County
Change reflects interest in professional growth opportunities and ethical standards
(San Diego, California) – Due to tremendous interest and participation by the community of public relations practitioners in Imperial County in pursuing the highest professional standards, the San Diego Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has successfully petitioned to extend the boundaries of its jurisdiction to include Imperial County.
The chapter will now be known as the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the PRSA, effective February 1, 2010.
“PRSA San Diego has worked very hard over the last six months to formally incorporate Imperial County into our chapter boundaries,” said Sara E. Wacker, APR, chapter president. “The members and prospective members in Imperial County have long awaited the opportunity to be associated with a local chapter. I’m very pleased that we will be able to extend our reach and make local membership available in the Valley. These individuals have much enthusiasm and creative ideas to continue to help our chapter and the local industry mature.”
Individual public relations practitioners in Imperial County have been active PRSA members for many years without a local Chapter to provide ongoing career development, networking, and accreditation programs, or recognition through participation in awards competition. Three individuals in El Centro are currently Accredited in Public Relations, and several individuals have received Bernays Awards for professional excellence.
“The extension of this chapter into Imperial County is a measure of the growth in the professional practice of public relations that we are experiencing in the Valley,” said Bill Gay, Media and Community Relations Director of Imperial Valley College. “Several months ago, we began an informal organization of local practitioners to foster continued professional education. Members of PRSA San Diego have been very helpful in this endeavor,” said Gay.
Gay has been added to the Chapter Board of Directors as its Imperial County membership representative. He has been an active participant in Chapter activities for several years, including a leadership role in the Accreditation program.
The San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of PRSA is the only organization in San Diego/Imperial Counties that is solely dedicated to meeting the professional needs of the public relations professional. As an individual membership society, the benefits of membership in PRSA are designed for, and delivered to individuals. Many resources are included in membership dues, and some are available at a reduced member fee.
PRSA firmly believes that professional integrity is based on sound and ethical practice. Upon joining the Society, members agree to adhere to PRSA’s Code of Professional Standards for the Practice of Public Relations.
